China has “banned” all airlines in the country from joining the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) aimed at cutting carbon emissions.

The authorities have also barred the airlines from increasing their fares or adding new charges for the scheme. The ban comes just weeks after the China Air Transport Association said its members did not support the ETS. The scheme, implemented from 1 January, levies a charge on flights in EU airspace based on carbon emissions. The scheme has come in for severe criticism not just from China but also from other countries such as the US and Canada.

China has claimed that the plan could cost Chinese airlines 95m euros ($124m, £79m) in extra annual costs. Analysts said that given the global economic conditions and an uncertain outlook for the travel industry, airlines were wary of the scheme hurting their profits. According to EU estimates, the scheme will see the cost of air fares rise by between 2 and 12 euros per passenger.

The move by the Chinese authorities is likely to complicate the issue as the EU will have to decide on what measures it will take from here on. Analysts said that given the differences between the various parties involved, the matter may have to be resolved by an international body.